Thursday, March 31, 2016

'Imitation is the highest form of flattery' - to anyone who has had their work ripped off, you will have undoubtedly heard this phrase in order to soothe your rage. In this instance, eclectic London-based fashion designer Peter Jensen has chosen wardrobe stylist Shirley Kurata as his muse to spectacular effect. While other designers may have struggled with such a concept, the aesthetic between designer and stylist felt completely natural and delivered with quirk and humor which Jensen is famous for. For those not familiar with Shirley Kurata, she's styled a number of collections for Rodarte (and retained a number of their runway pieces including a tulle dress with Mt Fuji and cherry blossoms made from delicate pink feathers). She's also collaborated with American maverick, photographer and director, Autumn de Wilde on a number of occasions. Her personal style is inspired by vintage clothes from the 1950s however, Kurata is not afraid to introduce modern pieces into outfits and does so to avoid looking like an extra from Mad Men.

Shirley Kurata has styled a number of Peter Jensen's collections in the past, so it comes as no real surprise that this collection represents her energy aesthetically. Models
wore her signature bob, full red red lips, Bernstock Speirs hats comprised
of riding cap and plastic visor, as well as round glasses in contrast to
Kurata's signature rectangular glasses. The collection featured a number of pieces inspired by classic 1950s designs including blouses with Peter Pan collars, the shift dress, demure cardigans and cropped denim jackets. While many of the pieces featured patterns, featured contrasting sleeves or bright colours there were a few staple pieces, e.g. classic white coat with black trim which lovers of minimalist style could latch onto. It's a technique which Kurata herself uses in her own outfits to prevent things from becoming 'too clownish' (I guess I'm a clown then??). Styling ideologies aside, the collection was light-hearted and a breath of fresh air during the seriousness of London Fashion Week, and just another reason why it's my favourite event during Fashion Month.1-4 via wearevillage and 5-16 photographed by Celine Castillon.

Monday, March 28, 2016

Before moving from Melbourne to Winton, I became obsessed with filling the pages of this particular journal with as many science factoids and dreamy landscapes as humanly possible.I'm a geologist and paleontologist, so naturally these two were at the forefront of its creation but there's some geography and biology thrown in there for good measure. There's also an excerpt from a book I acquired in a library sale from David Attenborough, which was so eloquent I had to include it. Initially I wanted to create a journal which specifically celebrated the beauty of science and combine Wes Anderson aesthetics with the natural world. The people who inspire me most and who I look up to are typically creatives or bossed up women who run their own companies, design, create jewellery and write. But there's a huge division between living artistically and science. Furthermore, science is often sold to the public with a clinical approach blurring the lines between pragmatism and a disconnect between human emotion. But if you speak to scientists, they are often some of the most passionate and fulfilled people on the planet.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Sorry it's been so long since I posted a proper, full-length outfit post. I had every intention of posting something when heavy rain forced closure of every road out of town, meaning I was stuck at home. It seemed a pity not to utilize the beautiful landscape which seems so foreign but remains unmistakably Australian in character. I've been kept busy with work, and have taken up tutoring a local publican in Indonesian in exchange for free food and drink. I'll also be working this Easter weekend, running most of the craft activities for kids which will test my creativity and patience I'm sure.

When
I first watched Lesley Arfin's interview with StyleLikeU, I didn't
realise what a profound effect it would have on my subconscious. Hearing
her speak about this skirt, a collaboration between the ultimate cool
girl Chloë Sevigny and Opening Ceremony, and her relationship with
clothing in general was life changing. The best thing about an asymmetrical skirt, or in my case, dress is the ability to show off your legs while being coddled in mountain of fabric.

"I hated high school... but I love that I hated it. It helped me to rebel and find my own, cool stuff."

Last month I completed my first ever Dinosaur Dreaming dig!
Museum Victoria, in conjunction with Monash University have allowed
volunteers to be a part of their digs since 1995. As a volunteer the
majority of your time is spent breaking up big rocks into little rocks
with hammer and chisels on the shore platform and identifying dinosaur
bones, with some freshwater molluscs and plant material. A big focus of the dig is to also identify more mammal material.